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U.S. Leaders in Iraq Condemn Amarah Attack

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2007  The top U.S. military and diplomatic leaders in Iraq today condemned yesterday’s car-bomb attack that targeted civilians in Amarah.

“We join the people of Iraq in strongly condemning yesterday’s barbaric attack targeting the citizens of al Amarah in the Maysan province. The United States extends its deepest condolences, support and prayers to the people of Maysan province,” reads a joint statement released today by the U.S. Embassy signed by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq.

Three coordinated car bombings reportedly killed about 30 people and injured more than 100. Amarah is the capital city of the Maysan province and is about 200 miles southeast of Baghdad.

According to the release, officials are ensuring needed humanitarian and medical supplies are sent to the region.

“Such senseless acts of violence against innocent citizens only serve to strengthen our resolve to stand against their perpetrators. We will work closely with the government of Iraq and with Iraqi security forces to help bring those responsible to justice,” the statement reads.

In other news from Iraq, forces nabbed a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader during a raid near Karmah on Dec. 11. The suspect is believed to command more than 300 terrorists and is reported to be responsible for attacks that have killed and wounded several Iraqi and coalition forces.

Also, forces captured 17 suspected extremists in eastern Baghdad on Dec. 11. All 17 are being held for questioning.

Concerned local citizens continue to turn in information on insurgents and weapons caches. Using information provided by concerned local citizens, forces killed two insurgents Dec. 11 and seized a weapons cache, destroying an enemy stronghold in Bawi, a small village outside of Salman Pak. The cache contained mortars, grenades and weapons-making materials.

On Dec. 10, soldiers in Arab Jabour found three improvised explosive devices. The bombs were made of two 57 mm projectiles and one 105 mm artillery round.